U.S. patent number 9,949,522 [Application Number 14/138,979] was granted by the patent office on 2018-04-24 for suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of a safety helmet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to MSA Technology, LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Mine Safety Appliances Company. Invention is credited to Kevin R. Ketterer, John F. Rihn.
United States Patent |
9,949,522 |
Ketterer , et al. |
April 24, 2018 |
Suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of a
safety helmet
Abstract
A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for
a safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap
connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a
headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on
an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection
arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from
the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at
least one slot, both extending at least partially through a
headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to
at least partially receive the at least one projection member
therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is
configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably
attaching the at least one tab to the headband member. A suspension
system and a safety helmet are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Ketterer; Kevin R.
(Portersville, PA), Rihn; John F. (Glenshaw, PA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mine Safety Appliances Company |
Cranberry |
PA |
US |
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Assignee: |
MSA Technology, LLC (Cranberry
Township, PA)
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Family
ID: |
52581118 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/138,979 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150059066 A1 |
Mar 5, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61872050 |
Aug 30, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A42B
3/147 (20130101); A42B 3/145 (20130101); A42B
3/085 (20130101); A42B 3/324 (20130101); A42B
3/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A42B
3/08 (20060101); A42B 3/14 (20060101); A42B
3/32 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;2/410,414,418,416,417,420,419,6.6 ;24/666,669 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1097649 |
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May 2001 |
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EP |
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998695 |
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Jul 1965 |
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GB |
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2098459 |
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Nov 1982 |
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GB |
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2004010808 |
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Feb 2004 |
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WO |
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WO 2008033189 |
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Mar 2008 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Moran; Katherine
Assistant Examiner: Heracklis; James
Attorney, Agent or Firm: The Webb Law Firm
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/872,050, filed Aug. 30, 2013, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of a
safety helmet, the suspension system comprising at least one strap
connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a
headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on
an internal surface of the safety helmet, the suspension connection
arrangement comprising: at least one projection member extending
from the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at
least one slot, both extending through a headband member, wherein
the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially
receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that
the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the
at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab
to the headband member, wherein at least a portion of the at least
one keyhole and the at least one slot is positioned within a
recessed area defined by a surrounding thickened area of the
headband member, the recessed area bounded by a sidewall extending
from an outer surface of the headband member in a thickness
direction of the headband member for guiding the at least one
projection member along at least one of the at least one keyhole
and the at least one slot, wherein the thickened area at least
partially surrounds the at least one keyhole and the at least one
slot, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one projection
member is positioned within the recessed area.
2. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at
least one projection member comprises a stem with a first end
attached to a portion of the at least one tab and a cap positioned
on a second end of the stem.
3. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 2, wherein the
cap is substantially circular.
4. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 2, wherein the at
least one keyhole is substantially semicircular, and the at least
one slot extends from a lower portion of the at least one
keyhole.
5. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 2, wherein the at
least one keyhole is shaped to receive the at least one projection
member through an angled urging force of the cap therethrough.
6. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 2, wherein the at
least one keyhole and at least one slot are shaped such that a
lower surface of the cap is configured to contact at least a
portion of a headband member surface surrounding the at least one
keyhole and at least one slot, thereby retaining the at least one
projection member in the at least one keyhole and at least one
slot.
7. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein at
least a portion of the at least one projection member is flexible
for attachment within the at least one keyhole and at least one
slot.
8. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein at
least a portion of the headband member is flexible.
9. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the at
least one keyhole and the at least one slot is a plurality of
keyholes and a respective plurality of slots.
10. The suspension connection arrangement of claim 9, further
comprising a plurality of sets of the plurality of keyholes and
respective slots positioned on the headband member.
11. A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of
a safety helmet, the suspension system comprising at least one
strap connected to a plurality of tabs, which is attachable between
a headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on
an internal surface of the safety helmet, the suspension connection
arrangement comprising: at least one projection member extending
from each of the plurality of tabs; and a plurality of arrangements
each comprising a keyhole connected to a slot, both extending
through a headband member, wherein the keyhole of each arrangement
is configured to at least partially receive therethrough the at
least one projection member of one of the plurality of tabs, such
that the at least one projection member of each of the plurality of
tabs is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby
removably attaching each of the plurality of tabs to a specified
area of the headband member; wherein each of the plurality of
arrangements is at least one of spaced and aligned on the headband
member, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the keyhole
and the slot of the plurality of arrangements is positioned within
a recessed area defined by a surrounding thickened area of the
headband member, the recessed area bounded by a sidewall extending
from an outer surface of the headband member in a thickness
direction of the headband member for guiding the at least one
projection member along at least a portion of at least one of the
plurality of arrangements, wherein the thickened area at least
partially surrounds the at least one of the keyhole and the slot of
the plurality of arrangements, and wherein at least a portion of
the at least one projection member is positioned within the
recessed area.
12. A suspension system for a safety helmet, comprising: a headband
arrangement having a headband member; at least one strap connected
to at least one tab, wherein the at least one tab is configured to
be inserted at least partially into at least one headband slot
positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet; and a
suspension connection arrangement, comprising: (i) at least one
projection member extending from the at least one tab; and (ii) at
least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending
through the headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is
configured to at least partially receive the at least one
projection member therethrough, such that the at least one
projection member is configured to slide along the at least one
slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the
headband member, wherein at least a portion of the at least one
keyhole and the at least one slot is positioned within a recessed
area defined by a surrounding thickened area of the headband
member, the recessed area bounded by a sidewall extending from an
outer surface of the headband member in a thickness direction of
the headband member for guiding the at least one projection member
along at least one of the at least one keyhole and the at least one
slot, wherein the thickened area at least partially surrounds the
at least one keyhole and the at least one slot, and wherein at
least a portion of the at least one projection member is positioned
within the recessed area.
13. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the headband
arrangement further comprises an adjustment mechanism for
tightening and loosening the headband member with respect to a
user's head.
14. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the headband
arrangement further comprises at least one pad configured to
contact a user's head.
15. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the at least one
projection member of the suspension connection arrangement
comprises a stem with a first end attached to a portion of the at
least one tab and a cap positioned on the second end of the
stem.
16. A safety helmet, comprising: a protective helmet body having an
internal surface with at least one headband slot positioned
thereon; a suspension system, comprising: (i) a headband
arrangement having a headband member; and (ii) at least one strap
connected to at least one tab, wherein the at least one tab is
configured to be inserted at least partially into the at least one
headband slot to thereby connect the suspension system and the
protective helmet body; and a suspension connection arrangement,
comprising: (i) at least one projection member extending from the
at least one tab; and (ii) at least one keyhole connected to at
least one slot, both extending through the headband member, wherein
the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially
receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that
the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the
at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab
to the headband member, wherein at least a portion of the at least
one keyhole and the at least one slot is positioned within a
recessed area defined within a surrounding thickened area of the
headband member, the recessed area bounded by a sidewall extending
from an outer surface of the headband member in a thickness
direction of the headband member for guiding the at least one
projection member along at least one of the at least one keyhole
and the at least one slot, wherein the thickened area at least
partially surrounds the at least one keyhole and the at least one
slot, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one projection
member is positioned within the recessed area.
17. The safety helmet of claim 16, wherein the headband arrangement
further comprises an adjustment mechanism for tightening and
loosening the headband member with respect to a user's head.
18. The safety helmet of claim 16, wherein the headband arrangement
further comprises at least one pad configured to contact a user's
head.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to safety helmets for use
in a variety of applications where head protection is desired, and
in particular to a suspension connection arrangement and a
suspension system used in connection with such a safety helmet.
Description of the Related Art
As is known in the art, a variety of activities, workplace
functions, and emergency situations require additional safety
measures and systems. In particular, such activities, functions,
and situations include, without limitation, industrial or
manufacturing activities, construction activities, activities that
pose a potential risk to the person or persons involved, rescue
situations, and the like. Providing safety equipment to those
involved in such activities and situations is required, and
protecting the user's head is of the utmost importance. In order to
provide such protection, one of the most often worn pieces of
equipment is a safety helmet.
Safety helmets (also known as protective helmets) are provided in a
variety of shapes and configurations. Further, in order to
comfortably position and space the protective helmet body (or dome)
of the safety helmet with respect to the user's head, each safety
helmet is equipped with a suspension system. This suspension system
normally includes: (1) a headband arrangement having a headband
member that fits around the periphery of the user's head (normally
just above the forehead area) and an adjustment mechanism for
tightening and loosening the headband member with respect to a
user's head; (2) multiple tabs, connected or connectable to the
headband member, which are removably attachable in slots positioned
on the inner surface of helmet body; and (3) multiple straps
connected between the tabs and extending across the headband member
for contact with the top of the user's head.
Even with the adjustment mechanism, many existing safety helmets,
i.e., the headband arrangements used in connection with such safety
helmets, could be more effectively adjustable or configurable to
safely and comfortably fit a specific user's head shape or size.
Still further, the assembly of the tabs and the headband
arrangement is often difficult and labor intensive.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved safety
helmets, suspension systems, and suspension connection arrangements
for use with or in such suspension systems. Further there is a need
in the art to provide safety helmets (and the various components
thereof) that are more easily adjustable and/or configurable to fit
a variety of shapes and sized of user's head. Still further, there
is a need in the art for safety helmets (and the various components
thereof) that can be more efficiently and effectively assembled,
such as by the user in the field or use environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Generally, provided is a suspension connection arrangement for a
suspension system of a safety helmet that improves on the features
and functions of known safety helmet systems and suspension system
configurations. Preferably, provided is a suspension connection
arrangement for a suspension system of a safety helmet that
facilitates the adjustment and/or configuration of the headband
arrangement with respect to the user's head. Preferably, provided
is a suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of a
safety helmet that allows for efficient and effective assembly in
the field.
In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a
suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for a
safety helmet. The suspension system includes at least one strap
connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a
headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on
an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection
arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from
the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at
least one slot, both extending at least partially through a
headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to
at least partially receive the at least one projection member
therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is
configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably
attaching the at least one tab to the headband member.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a
suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system of a
safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap
connected to a plurality of tabs, which is attachable between a
headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on
an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection
arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from
each of the plurality of tabs; and a plurality of arrangements
comprising a keyhole connected to a slot, both extending at least
partially through a headband member, wherein the keyhole of each
arrangement is configured to at least partially receive
therethrough the at least one projection member of one of the
plurality of tabs, such that the at least one projection member of
the tab is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby
removably attaching the tab to a specified area of the headband
member, and a plurality of sets of arrangements each comprising a
plurality of keyholes each connected to a slot, wherein each of the
keyholes of each set of arrangements is configured to at least
partially receive therethrough the at least one projection member
of one of the plurality of tabs, such that the at least one
projection member of the tab is configured to slide along the
respective slot, thereby removably attaching the tab to a specified
area of the headband member. Each of the plurality of arrangements
and plurality of sets of arrangements are at least one of spaced
and aligned on the headband member.
In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a
suspension system for a safety helmet, including: a headband
arrangement having a headband member; at least one strap connected
to at least one tab, wherein the at least one tab is configured to
be inserted at least partially into at least one headband slot
positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet; and a
suspension connection arrangement, including: (i) at least one
projection member extending from the at least one tab; and (ii) at
least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending at
least partially through the headband member, wherein the at least
one keyhole is configured to at least partially receive the at
least one projection member therethrough, such that the at least
one projection member is configured to slide along the at least one
slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the
headband member.
In another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, provided is a
safety helmet, including a protective helmet body having an
internal surface with at least one headband slot positioned
thereon. The safety helmet also includes a suspension system,
including: (i) a headband arrangement having a headband member; and
(ii) at least one strap connected to at least one tab, wherein the
at least one tab is configured to be inserted at least partially
into the at least one headband slot to thereby connect the
suspension system and the helmet body; and a suspension connection
arrangement, including: (i) at least one projection member
extending from the at least one tab; and (ii) at least one keyhole
connected to at least one slot, both extending at least partially
through the headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is
configured to at least partially receive the at least one
projection member therethrough, such that the at least one
projection member is configured to slide along the at least one
slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the
headband member.
These and other features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of structures and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be
expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the
specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an", and
"the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a suspension connection arrangement
for a suspension system of a safety helmet according to the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a suspension
connection arrangement for a suspension system of a safety helmet
according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of a
safety helmet, a suspension system for the safety helmet, and a
suspension connection arrangement therefore according to the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled safety
helmet, suspension system, and suspension connection arrangement
according to FIG. 3;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the partially assembled safety
helmet, suspension system, and suspension connection arrangement
according to FIG. 4 with the straps removed for clarity;
FIG. 5 is a further perspective view of a partially assembled
safety helmet, suspension system, and suspension connection
arrangement according to FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fully assembled safety helmet,
suspension system, and suspension connection arrangement according
to FIG. 3;
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the fully assembled safety helmet,
suspension system, and suspension connection arrangement according
to FIG. 6 with the pad removed for clarity;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a tab of a portion of a suspension
connection arrangement according to the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 7A is a top view of the tab according to FIG. 7 with a
connected strap of a suspension connection arrangement according to
the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the tab with a connected strap according
to FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8A is a perspective views of the tab according to FIG. 7 in
folded and unfolded states;
FIG. 9A is a side view of a portion of a headband member of a
suspension connection arrangement according to the principles of
the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a side view of another portion of the headband member of
a suspension connection arrangement according to the principles of
the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suspension connection
arrangement at an initial engagement step and according to the
principles of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the suspension connection
arrangement according to FIG. 10 at another engagement step;
and
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the suspension connection
arrangement according to FIG. 10 at a further engagement step.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "end",
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations and step sequences, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.
The present invention is directed to a suspension connection
arrangement 10 for use with or as part of a suspension system 12 of
a safety helmet 14. The suspension connection arrangement 10,
suspension system 12, and safety helmet 14 are shown in schematic
form in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in various preferred and non-limiting
embodiments in FIGS. 3-12. As discussed above, and as is known, a
safety helmet 14 includes a protective helmet body 16, which is
typically and substantially in the shape of a dome or similar
geometry. The helmet body 16, and in particular the internal
surface 18 of the helmet body 16, includes at least one, and
typically multiple headband slots 20. Further, the helmet body 16
is manufactured from a suitably strong and rigid material to
protect the head of the user. In order to appropriately position
and wear the safety helmet 14, the suspension system 12 is engaged
with the helmet body 16. This suspension system 12, which includes
a variety of components (as discussed hereinafter), allows the user
to safely and comfortably don, adjust, and wear the safety helmet
14 in a variety of situations and environments that require
protective headwear.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, the suspension system 12
includes at least one, and typically multiple straps 22 that are
connected to at least one, and typically multiple tabs 24. Further,
each tab 24 is attachable between a headband arrangement 26 and a
respective headband slot 20 disposed on the internal surface 18 of
the helmet body 16. In this manner, the suspension system 12,
including the headband arrangement 26, is attachable to the safety
helmet 14.
As illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 2, and in one preferred
and non-limiting embodiment, the suspension connection arrangement
10 includes at least one projection member 28 that extends from a
surface 30 of the tab 24. In addition, the suspension connection
arrangement 10 includes at least one keyhole 32 connected to at
least one slot 34 (thereby creating a keyhole 32/slot 34
arrangement, where both the keyhole 32 and slot 34 extend at least
partially through a headband member 36 of the headband arrangement
26. In operation, and in order to attach the headband member 36 to
the tab 24 (and, thus, to the helmet body 16), the keyhole 32 is
configured, sized, or shaped to at least partially receive the
projection member 28 therethrough, such that the projection member
28 is capable of sliding along the slot 34. This results in a
removable and adjustable attachment between the tab 24 and the
headband member 36. One preferred and non-limiting embodiment of
the safety helmet 14, suspension system 12, and suspension
connection arrangement 10 is illustrated in a variety of assembled
and disassembled forms and arrangements in FIG. 3-6.
A preferred and non-limiting embodiment and configuration of the
tab 24 is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, where the tab 24 of FIG. 8
further demonstrates how the strap 22 is attached thereto. With
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and in this preferred and non-limiting
embodiment, the tab 24 includes a first end 38 and a second end 40.
At the first end 38 of the tab 24, there is a central portion 42
with two extending wing portions 44. Further, this first end 38 of
the tab 24 is configured to be removably attachable with the
headband slot 20, which includes a central slot 46 with two wing
slots 48 connected thereto. See FIG. 3. In order to attach the tab
24 (and, therefore, the headband arrangement 26) to the helmet body
16, the first end 38 of the tab 24 is inserted into a respective
headband slot 20, where the central portion 42 of the tab 24 is
positioned in the central slot 46 of the headband slot 20, and the
wing portions 44 of the first end 38 of the tab 24 are positioned
in the wing slots 48 of the headband slot 20. In this manner, the
tab 24 is removably attachable to the helmet body 16. In this
embodiment, the first end 38 of the tab 24, a first strap orifice
50 extends through the central portion 42 of the tab 24, and, as
seen in FIG. 8, this first strap orifice 50 is sized and/or shaped
to allow smooth and free passage of the strap 22 therethrough.
With continued reference to this preferred and non-limiting
embodiment of the tab 24, the second end 40 of the tab 24 includes
a second strap orifice 52, which is sized and/or shaped to allow
smooth and free passage of the strap 22 therethrough. Accordingly,
as seen in FIG. 8, the strap 22 is inserted up through the first
strap orifice 50 and down through the second strap orifice 52 to
thereby make a loop 54, which connects multiple tabs 24 together.
In addition, and as seen in FIG. 3, the straps 22 are arranged and
connected between the tabs 24 so as to facilitate both removable
attachment of the tabs 24 to the helmet body 16, as well as a
substantially cross-shaped arrangement 56 for contacting the user's
head and properly spacing the helmet body 16 from the user's head.
Multiple straps 22 may be used in this configuration and connected
or otherwise attached together to create this multi-strap
cross-shaped arrangement 56.
With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second end 40 of the
tab 24 also includes a notch 58 at least partially extending across
a bottom surface 60 of the tab 24. This notch 58 allows the tab 24
to be bent or otherwise folded in half to allow for the appropriate
attachment of the tabs 24 to the headband slots 20. Further, the
projection member 28 is positioned on or at an extension area 62 on
the second end 40 of the tab 24. As discussed, it is this
projection member 28 that is configured, sized, and/or shaped to be
removably engaged with or connected to the keyhole 32.
Additionally, as should be noted from FIGS. 3, 4, and 8A, when the
tabs 24 are attached to the headband member 36, the tabs 24 are
then bent along the notch 58, such that the first end 38 of the tab
24 overlaps the headband member 36 and covers the attached
projection member 28. Once in the folded position, the central
portion 42 and wing portions 44 of each tab 24 is inserted in a
respective central slot 46 and wing slots 48 of a headband slot
20.
With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and in this preferred
and non-limiting embodiment, the projection member 28 includes a
stem 64 with a first end 66 of the stem 64 attached to the first
(top) surface 30 of the tab 24. Further, a cap 68 extends from or
is positioned on a second end 70 of the stem 64. In this
embodiment, the cap 68 is in a substantially circular form (as
viewed from above), and includes a domed or mushroom-shaped
cross-section with a rounded upper surface 72 and a substantially
flat lower surface 74.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and as discussed above, the
headband arrangement 26 includes a headband member 36. The keyholes
32 and slots 34 are arranged on the headband member 36 at specified
locations. With reference to FIG. 9A, and in one preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, the keyhole 32 is substantially
semi-circular in shape, and the slot 34 extends from a lower
portion 76 of the keyhole 32. Further, and as is seen, the keyhole
32 of this embodiment is shaped to receive the projection member 28
through an angled urging force of the cap 68 through the keyhole
32. In particular, the projection member 28, e.g., the stem 64 and
cap 68, is urged through the keyhole 32 such that the flat lower
surface 74 of the cap 68 is configured to contact an outer surface
78 of the headband member 36, particularly an area of the outer
surface 78 surrounding or adjacent the keyhole 32 and/or slot
34.
With continued reference to FIG. 9A, and in this preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, the stem 64 of the projection member 28 is
sized and/or shaped to move within and along the slot 34, such that
the slot 34 is captured between the flat lower surface 74 of the
cap 68 and the first surface 30 of the tab 24. This allows for
lateral adjustment of the tab 24 along the headband member 36. In
another preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the slot 34 includes
an angle portion 80, where the stem 64 of the projection member 28
is able to slide along and through this angle portion 80 to any
position along a linear portion 82. This angle portion 80 helps to
ensure that the projection member 28 is not inadvertently moved out
of the slot 34, and potentially, the keyhole 32.
In order to further assist in positioning the projection member 28
through the keyhole 32 and into the slot 34, and in another
preferred and non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the
projection member 28 is flexible and/or bendable so that the user
can angle the cap 68 through the keyhole 32 and into position where
the flat lower surface 74 contacts the outer surface 78 of the
headband member 36. In addition, and in order to further facilitate
this action, all or a portion of the headband member 36 may also be
formed of a flexible and/or bendable material. By using these
flexible and/or bendable materials for the headband member 36 and
the projection member 28, the process of connecting and
disconnecting the projection member 28 and headband member 36 is
more easily accomplished.
With further reference to FIGS. 9A and 10, and in a further
preferred and non-limiting embodiment, at least a portion of the
keyhole 32 and/or slot 34 is positioned within a recessed area 84
of the headband member 36, such that this recessed area 84 is
provided on the outer surface 78 of the headband member 36 and is
recessed inwardly from the outer surface 78 in a thickness
direction of the headband member 36. By using this recessed area
84, which, in one preferred and non-limiting embodiment, is shaped
to allow both the keyhole 32 and the slot 34 to be recessed from
the remaining portions of the outer surface 78 of the headband
member 36, the cap 68 of the projection member 28 is prevented from
extending substantially beyond this recessed area 84 when the
projection member 28 is engaged with the keyhole 32 and/or slot 34.
Further, by positioning the keyhole 32 and slot 34 in this recessed
area 84, at least a portion of a wall 86 that defines the recessed
area 84 can be used in guiding the cap 68 through the keyhole 32
and/or along the slot 34.
Still further, and in another preferred and non-limiting
embodiment, the recessed area 84 is defined by the thickened areas
85 that surround this area 84. Accordingly, the recessed area 84,
along with the resulting thickened area 85 or portion, assists in
preventing the extension area 62 on the second end 40 of the tab 24
from being urged or pressed against the user's head while wearing
the safety helmet 14. In particular, this arrangement allows the
rounded upper surface 72 of the projection member 28 to be at least
partially recessed or positioned within the recessed area 84,
thereby reducing any resulting urging or pressing forces when the
headband member 36 is attached within the safety helmet 14. In
addition, these thickened areas 85 or portions provide stiffening
characteristics or structural rigidity to the headband member 36
leading additional and beneficial durability.
In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as
illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 10, one or more sets 88 of multiple
keyholes 32 and slots 34 are positioned or aligned in various areas
on the headband member 36. For example, it may be desirable to
facilitate adjustment of the straps 22 and tabs 24 up and down with
respect to the user's head, which consequently adjusts the position
of the safety helmet 14 with respect to the user. Accordingly, and
when four tabs 24 are used, a set 88 of keyhole 32/slot 34
arrangements can be positioned at or near an end 90 of the headband
member 36; preferably at both ends 90 of the headband member 36,
such as to allow adjustment in unison. In this preferred and
non-limiting embodiment, the set 88 of keyholes 32 and slots 34
includes three keyhole 32/slot 34 arrangements positioned at or
near the end 90 of the headband member 36. Further, along the
length of the headband member 36, an additional two keyhole 32/slot
34 arrangements are provided, one each in two different areas of
the headband member 36. This embodiment allows for the connection
of four tabs 24, with two of the tabs 24 connectable to the ends 90
of the headband member 36 to use any of the three keyhole 32/slot
34 arrangements of the set 88.
As discussed, this embodiment facilitates the ability of the user
to adjust the fit of the headband member 36, and, thus, the
suspension system 12, with respect to the helmet body 16. In order
to effect this adjustment, the user may simply remove the
projection member 28 from one of the keyhole 32/slot 34
arrangements and insert it into another keyhole 32/slot 34
arrangement. As discussed, this is typically done in unison at both
ends 90 of the headband member 36. The connection of one of the
projection members 28 to one of the keyhole 32/slot 34 arrangements
in various stages of connections is shown in FIGS. 10-12 (but,
prior to folding the tab 24 for insertion in the headband slot 20.
As seen, the user urges or moves the projection member 28 through
the keyhole 32 (FIG. 10), and moves the projection member 28
towards the angle portion 80 of the slot 34 (FIG. 11), and,
finally, along the linear portion 82 of the slot 34.
In a further preferred and non-limiting embodiment, and as
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the headband arrangement 26
includes an adjustment mechanism 92 for tightening and loosening
the headband member 36 with respect to the user's head. In
particular, the adjustment mechanism 92 works in cooperation with
extension portions 94 of the headband member 36, where each
extension portion 94 includes a notched track 96. The adjustment
mechanism 92 includes an appropriate gear-type or tooth member (not
shown) for engaging with the tracks 96 on both extension portions
94. Therefore, in cooperation with the above-discussed upward and
downward adjustment using the multiple keyhole 32/slot 34
arrangements in the set 88, the adjustment mechanism 92 allows for
the further adjustment, i.e., tightening and loosening, of the
headband member 36 with respect to the user's head. Still further,
and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6, the headband member 36 can be
provided with a pad 98, such as a sweat pad or comfort pad, that
contacts and rests against the user's forehead during use and
operation.
In this manner, the present invention provides a suspension
connection arrangement 10, a suspension system 12, and a safety
helmet 14 that facilitates the adjustment and/or configuration of
the headband arrangement 26 and/or headband member 36 with respect
to the user's head. In addition, the suspension connection
arrangement 10, suspension system 12, and safety helmet 14
according to the present invention allows for the efficient and
effective assembly of the safety helmet 14 and its various
components in the field.
Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose
of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the
most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood
that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention
is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary,
is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that
are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For
example, it is to be understood that the present invention
contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of
any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any
other embodiment.
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